“As SADC we rely on them to ensure that the process going forward is smooth and in line with democratic principles as well as AU and SADC protocols. They assured me of their willingness to cooperate and put the country first,'' said Zuma.

The election was conducted under difficult conditions, given the technical and logistical challenges that exist in the DRC as well as isolated acts of violence.

Zuma, who discussed telephonically the elections with the three Presidential candidates - President Joseph Kabila Kabange of the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), Etienne Tshisekedi of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) and Vital Kamerhe of the Union pour la Nation Congolaise (UNC) - said the acts of violence were regrettable.

“The Troika applauds the conduct of the parties in helping to arrest the nearly volatile situation, and appeals to all political leaders, political parties and stakeholders in the DRC to unite during this time and work together to take the democratic process forward, peacefully, putting the country first,” said Zuma.

He had received a report from the SADC Election Observer Mission, deployed 198 observers in 10 Provinces in the DRC.

The team has reported that elections were conducted in accordance with the DRC Electoral Law, the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections and the July 2002 Durban OAU Declaration on The Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections in Africa.

The results are expected to be announced this week.

According to preliminary results released by the Commission of National Independent Election (CNIE) on Friday, Kabila was taking the lead with about 1.52 million votes, while his main rival Tshisekedi came second with 0.99 million votes.

President Jacob Zuma has applauded the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC following the successful conclusion of the presidential and parliamentary elections In his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security Cooperation Zuma said the people of the DRC have shown their determination to consolidate peace enhance national reconciliation boost the democratic process and lay the foundation for lasting peace as well as economic and social development He said he had impressed upon them the need for sound leadership and unity going forward